I see a lot of questions in the groups I am in, about gauge...What IS gauge? Why do I have to "match gauge"? How do I know if my gauge is right? Is gauge even important?

So, let's take a little look at gauge! First of all~What IS gauge? Well~ the technical meaning is "the number of stitches/rows to the inch". This means how many stitches do we need to create, to make it measure 1 inch long, or how many rows do we need to complete to make it measure 1 inch high? This number can change, depending on LOTS of different things. What size is your hook? What size is your yarn? How is your tension~loose, tight, in-between? What stitch are you doing?

Take a peek at the picture of the snails...all 3 of them were made using the EXACT same pattern, but they are all different sizes! How did we do that? First of all~the green/yellow one was made in sport weight yarn (#2 weight) with an E hook. The pale yellow/pink one was made in worsted weight yarn (#4 weight) with a G hook. Same stitches, but different yarn weight and hook size give a different finished item size.

Next~Why do I have to match gauge? Well~if you are creating an item where size is an important factor, then you MUST be able to match gauge...otherwise, your finished item is NOT going to be the correct size. If the pattern calls for 10 sts in 2", to achieve a 10" length, and you only have 8 sts in 2", you will end up with an 11.5" length, when completing the same number of stitches! See~it DOES make a difference...

Now~How do I know if my gauge is right? Well~there is an easy way to check that! Make a gauge swatch! Many of the recommended swatches will measure 4" by 4". I like to stick with 2", but that is a personal preference. Look at the pictures below~

For my swatches, I chained 16, and hdc in each ch and stitch, for 5 rows. I used the same yarn for each, but I changed hook sizes, so you could see the difference in the gauge between them. If you are trying to match gauge for a pattern, create your swatch using the same stitch the pattern uses. Make a chain to equal your needed length (for a swatch, this is generally 2"-4"). Complete enough rows to get your needed height (again~generally 2"-4"). Keep your tape measure handy for measuring! Once you have your swatch done, measure it, and count your stitches and rows~are the numbers the same as the gauge in the pattern? If they are, then you have matched gauge, and can proceed with completing your project! If you have MORE stitches/rows than the pattern gauge calls for, then you need to use a larger hook, and try again. If you have LESS stitches/rows, then you need to use a smaller hook.

These 3 swatches are all the exact same number of stitches and rows, with the same yarn, just made using a different size hook for each. See the size difference?

Which brings us to our last question~Is gauge even important? Well~YES! On many patterns it is important! Can you see that now? Then go practice your gauge, and create some beautiful, perfectly sized works of art!

I admit I am a terrible "gauge" student...thanks for the help in understanding it!

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Nancy

6/24/2015 02:00:28 pm

I've been crocheting for decades. I make afghans for the most part because I can adjust my gauge for EITHER length OR width but not both. For some reason I can NEVER match the Guage for both directions. Thus, I stay away from things such as baby clothing which I would really like to make. Do you have any suggestions to help me. Thank you in advance.

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About the Author

I am a stay-at-home, work from home Mama, who desperately loves crafts! My 4 children keep me very busy, from choir practices and concerts, to cheer practice and competitions, to everyday nurse/chauffeur/chef/maid MOM duties...Just out here lovin life <3

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